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Updated: Jun 20, 2026
10:19
Induction of an Isoelectric Brain State to Investigate the Impact of Endogenous Synaptic Activity on Neuronal Excitability In Vivo
Published on: March 31, 2016
The function of activity-regulated genes in the nervous system
1The Picower Institute for Learning and Memory, Department of Brain and Cognitive Sciences, Massachusetts Institute of Technology, Cambridge, MA 02139, USA.
Physiological Reviews
|October 1, 2009
Summary
The adult brain remains adaptable throughout life, with neuronal activity driving changes via gene regulation. This research explores how "plasticity genes" are activated by electrical activity, influencing daily brain function and learning.
Area of Science:
- Neuroscience
- Molecular Biology
- Genetics
Background:
- Brain plasticity, the capacity for neural change, was initially linked to developmental periods.
- Evidence now shows lifelong brain plasticity is crucial for adult functions like learning and memory.
- Neuronal activity is a key driver of these adaptive changes.
Purpose of the Study:
- To discuss the evolving understanding of adult brain plasticity.
- To highlight the role of transcriptional control mechanisms in neuronal plasticity.
- To review the identification and function of genes involved in brain plasticity.
Main Methods:
- Review of existing scientific literature on brain plasticity.
- Analysis of studies identifying "plasticity genes" regulated by neuronal activity.
- Examination of cellular functions of these genes.
Main Results:
- Adult brain plasticity is a continuous process, not limited to development.
- Transcriptional regulation at the neuronal level is fundamental to brain plasticity.
- "Plasticity genes" are identified and regulated by electrical activity levels.
Conclusions:
- The adult brain's plasticity relies on dynamic transcriptional tuning in neurons.
- Understanding "plasticity genes" reveals their essential role in synaptic and circuit function.
- Neuronal activity actively shapes brain plasticity through gene expression.
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